Leaked cables show Gulf leery of Shiite expansion

The Gulf states are concerned about the growing influence of Shiites in neighboring countries, expressing their fears of the relations established between the Shiites of Iran and Iraq and their own Shiite communities.

Saudi Arabia

Iraqi children use art to confront trauma

Militarization continues to sweep over Iraqi society and has had a profound impact on children, whose artistic creations are now imbued with images of war and violence.

Iraq

The Islamic State's first year

The Islamic State celebrates its first year anniversary amid military and strategic successes, while its regional and international enemies remain ever more confused.

Iraq

Displaced Iraqis still wait to return home

Amid accusations of affiliation with the Islamic State and an uncompleted demining process in the liberated areas, most of Iraq's displaced have yet to return to their cities.

Iraq

KRG seeks $5 billion lifeline

Kurdish parliamentarians rejected the KRG's move to borrow $5 billion from international banks in light of a severe budget deficit, arguing that this would impose a heavy burden on the government itself and on the economy.

Iraq

Erbil refugee camp prioritizes education

As more than 1.5 million internally displaced people and refugees fled to the more secure regions of Iraqi Kurdistan, Father Douglas al-Bazi established a refugee camp focusing on the education and cultural development of children.

Iraq

Blood money marriage makes comeback in Iraq

Despite protests, and being banned since the 1950s, fasliya marriage has re-emerged among Iraqi tribes.

Iraq

Saudis' war effort struggles on three fronts

The two contenders to the Saudi throne need signs of impending victory in their battles against the Houthis to secure their legitimacy to lead.

Legacy: Gulf

From Omar to Hussain: Why Iraqis are changing their names

Intensification of Iraq's sectarian divide is forcing increasing numbers of people to change their names to avoid harassment and death.

Iraq

Extremist groups transform concept of jihad

Extremist Islamic groups have transformed the spiritual concept of jihad, including turning it into a military instrument for implementing political agendas.

Iraq

Overhauling Iraq’s intelligence services

The political quota system and subsequent appointment of incompetent intelligence services leaders have severely hampered Iraq's ability to fight terrorist forces despite an abundance of confrontations and episodes from which to learn.

Iraq

Senate to wrap up defense bill

A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 15.

Iraq